Window Panel With Fabric-Displaying Securement

ABSTRACT

A securement means to secure and display a fabric in a form of a panel to be used as a window treatment, shower curtain, etc. is provided. The securement means can include an arrangement of securements that allow for suspension of the panel from a support unit. The arrangement can include sets of securement with predefined spacings that may generate a natural tendency to form a plurality of pleats in an even and consistent manner. The securement means can further include a lead-in securement. The lead-in securement can be positioned to have a predefined spacing between it and a lateral side of the panel that the lead-in securement is most proximal to. Any of the spacings can further allow the panel to be suspended from the support unit without the panel interfering with a window treatment positioned behind the panel.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments of the present invention are directed toward a securementmeans to secure and display a fabric, and in particular a securementmeans for securing and displaying a window treatment fabric.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

A common form of a window treatment is a drape or a curtain. The curtaincan typically include a panel of fabric that depends from a rod or trackof a window unit or a rod or track attached to a window opening. Thecurtain can depend from the rod or track by a securement means, such asa grommet for example. Some curtains fold or bunch-up when dependingfrom the rod or track to form at least one pleat in the fabric. Thispleat may be desired and can be used to provide utilitarian, artistic,or other aesthetic effects. Generally, the securement means isstructured so as to allow for generation and adjustment of the pleating.However, the pleating facilitated by existing securement means can tendto be unstable (i.e., easily disrupted or disordered). Further, existingsecurement means can have the proclivity to generate sloppy (i.e.,uneven and/or disproportionate) pleats.

Window treatments can also include blinds, sheers, etc. in addition tothe curtain. For example, some window treatments can include use ofsheers and curtains, where the sheers may depend from the first rod ortrack and the curtain may depend from a second rod or track. Typically,the sheers are positioned behind the curtain so that the sheers are moreproximal to the window than the curtain is. With such arrangements, thesecurement means for the curtain tends to cause the curtain to abutagainst the sheers, rub against the sheers, or otherwise engage thesheers. This can be problematic, especially when the curtain ismanipulated (e.g., slid opened, slid closed, adjusted for pleating,etc.).

The present invention is directed toward overcoming one or more of theabove-identified problems.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Embodiments disclosed herein relate to a securement means to secure anddisplay a fabric in a form of a sheet or a panel. A panel can be a sheetof fabric that has worked or finished to include ornamentality, hemming,and/or other features. The panel may be configured for use as a windowtreatment, shower curtain, etc. The securement means can include anarrangement of securements (e.g., apertures, straps, clips, grommets,etc.) that allow for suspension of a panel of fabric from a supportunit. The support unit may be a rod or track attached to a wall or otherstructure associated with the window, shower, or other opening. Thearrangement of securements can facilitate generating pleating in anon-sloppy manner (i.e., in a manner that creates even and/orproportionate pleats across the panel). The arrangement of securementscan further facilitate generating pleating in the panel in a stablemanner (i.e., in a manner that prevents, or at least reduces, a tendencyof the pleating to be easily disrupted or disordered).

For example, the securement means can include an array of securementsarranged in sets with predefined spacings between each set andpredefined spacings between each securement. The predefined spacings mayallow for a natural tendency of the panel to form a plurality of pleats,each pleat having a width and a depth equal (or substantially equal) toanother pleat throughout the panel. The securement means can furtherinclude a lead-in securement on at least one lateral side of the panel.The lead-in securement can be positioned to have a predefined spacingbetween it and a distal edge of a lateral side of the panel that thelead-in securement is most proximal to. Said spacing for the lead-insecurement can allow the panel to be suspended from the support unitwithout the panel interfering with and/or making contact with a windowtreatment positioned behind the panel. The predefined spacings betweenthe securements and between the sets of securements can further delimitthe width and/or depth of the pleats. This may further facilitatesuspending the panel from a support unit without the panel interferingwith and/or making contact with the window treatment positioned behindthe panel. Any of the predefined spacings can facilitate generating adesired number of pleats, generating pleatings at certain locations onthe panel, delimiting the widths and/or depths of the pleats, and/orcreating a tendency to maintain the pleating at those widths and/ordepths. Thus, the inventive securement means can facilitate generating apleating with a desired utilitarian and/or a desired aesthetic effectthat is more stable and less sloppy than existing securement means.

Prior art systems consist of panels with grommets spaced evenly acrossthe panel, which can lead to poor hanging quality and/or generatingpleating that is unstable and/or sloppy. The inventive system, however,can eliminate most, if not all, of the instability of the pleat and maycreate a more uniform appearance of the panel. The uniform appearancecan further lead to a more appealing look. In addition, the inventivesystem can allow for easier hanging of the panel by an end-consumer,which may be due to the pleats' tendency to fall into place with littlefuss and styling.

Prior art systems are also limited to panels with large spacing betweenthe distal edge of the panel and the lead-in grommets. This “projection”of the panel at the lateral sides can lead to difficulty for users whenattempting to layer additional panels or other window treatments, suchas blinds or sheers for example, behind the panel. Additional problemsmay occur when attempting to manipulate (e.g., glide) the panel to anopen position and/or closed position without freely interrupting theblinds or sheers that are positioned behind the panel. For example, theprojection of prior art system panels can generate a large protrusion(e.g., at least 2.5 inches or more) towards the rear (e.g., towards thesheer placed behind the panel), which may cause undesired bunching dueto unwanted contact between the panel and the sheer. This may furtherlead to difficulty when attempting to open and close the panel. Theinventive system can also eliminate most, if not all, of any undesiredbunching when layering the window treatments as described above, and mayfurther add to a more uniform appearance for the panel. This may lead toeasier gliding of the panel to and from open and closed positions. Aclosed position may be defined as lateral sides of the panel beingpulled away from each other and span, or at least substantially span, alength of the opening to which the support unit is attached. An openposition may be defined as lateral sides of the panel being forcedtowards each other to cause the panel to not span the length of theopening to which the support unit is attached.

The inventive system can also facilitate putting more of the main fabricto the front, or bringing more of the main fabric into the room, foradded visual pleasure. When a panel with a grommet or back tab system asreported herein is threaded onto a decorative rod, the uneven placementof the grommets force more of the main fabric to the front (or face) ofthe decorative rod. The uneven spacing also ensures less of the mainfabric is being positioned behind the decorative rod. For example, if asheet is 54.25″ wide, only 9.5″ of the main fabric is positioned to thelateral side of the decorative rod. This leaves 44.75″ of main fabricpositioned to the front/face of the decorative rod.

In an exemplary embodiment, a securement means can include a pluralityof sets of securements, each set of securements located on and/or into aportion of a fabric to form a linear array of securements across theportion of the fabric. Each set of securements can include at least twosecurements having a spacing d-i between each securement within the setof securements. Each set of securements may have a spacing j-i betweeneach set of securements. Each d-i may be less than each j-i. In someembodiment, the fabric can be a panel configured to be suspended from asupport unit via the securement means. In some embodiments, the fabriccan be a fabric-extension attached to a panel, the panel configured tobe suspended from a support unit via the securement means. In someembodiments, the plurality of securements can be located at or near atop portion of the fabric. In some embodiments, the plurality ofsecurements can form a plurality of linear arrays of securements. Insome embodiments, any one securement can be at least one of formed ontothe fabric, formed into the fabric, attached to the fabric, andattachable to the fabric. In some embodiments, any one securement can beat least one of an aperture and a strap.

In some embodiments, the fabric can be a first fabric and may beconfigured to be suspended from a first support unit via the securementmeans, the first support unit extending from a framed-in unit having anopening, the first support unit configured to suspend the first fabricso that a second fabric is suspended by a second support unit betweenthe first fabric and the framed-in unit. The first fabric can furtherinclude a first lateral side and a second lateral side. The securementmost proximal to the first lateral side can be a first lead-insecurement and a spacing between the first lead-in securement and adistal edge of the first lateral side can be k-i. The securement mostproximal to the second lateral side can be a second lead-in securementand a spacing between the second lead-in securement and a distal edge ofthe second lateral side can be k-i. Each k-i can be set at a length sothat the distal edges of the first and second lateral sides of the firstfabric do not make contact with the second fabric.

In another exemplary embodiment, a securement means can include aplurality of sets of securements, each set of securements located onand/or into a portion of a first fabric to form a linear array ofsecurements across the portion of the first fabric, the first fabriccomprising a first lateral side and a second lateral side. Thesecurement means can further include a first lead-in securement locatedat or near the first lateral side. The securement means can furtherinclude a second lead-in securement located at or near the secondlateral side. Each set of securements can include at least twosecurements having a spacing d-i between each securement within the setof securements. Each set of securements may have a spacing j-i betweeneach set of securements. Each d-i may be less than each j-i. A spacingbetween the first lead-in securement and a distal edge of the firstlateral side can be k-i, and a spacing between the second lead-insecurement and a distal edge of the second lateral side can be k-i. Thefirst fabric may be configured to be suspended from a first support unitvia the securement means, the first support unit extending from aframed-in unit having an opening, the first support unit configured tosuspend the first fabric so that a second fabric is suspended by asecond support unit between the first fabric and the framed-in unit.Each k-i can be set at a length so that the distal edges of the firstand second lateral sides of the first fabric do not make contact withthe second fabric.

In some embodiments, the first fabric can be a panel configured to besuspended from the first support unit via the securement means. In someembodiments, the first fabric can be a fabric-extension attached to apanel, the panel configured to be suspended from the first support unitvia the securement means. In some embodiments, the plurality ofsecurements can be located at or near a top portion of the fabric. Insome embodiments, the plurality of securements can form a plurality oflinear arrays of securements. In some embodiments, any one securementcan be at least one of formed onto the fabric, formed into the fabric,attached to the fabric, and attachable to the fabric. In someembodiments, any one securement can be at least one of an aperture and astrap.

In another exemplary embodiment, a panel configured for use as a windowtreatment can include a fabric comprising a top, a first lateral side, asecond lateral side, and a bottom. The panel can further include aplurality of securements, each securement located on and/or into aportion of the panel to form a linear array of securements across theportion of the panel. At least one set of securements may be formedwithin the linear array of securements, each set of securementscomprising at least two securements having a spacing d-i between eachsecurement within the set of securements. The panel can further includea first lead-in securement located at or near the first lateral side.The panel can further include a second lead-in securement located at ornear the second lateral side. Each set of securements may have a spacingj-i between each set of securements. Each d-i may be less than each j-i.A spacing between the first lead-in securement and a distal edge of thefirst lateral side can be k-1, and a spacing between the second lead-insecurement and a distal edge of the second lateral side can be k-2.

In some embodiments, the panel can be configured to be suspended from afirst support unit via the securement means, the first support unitextending from a framed-in unit of a window opening, the first supportunit configured to suspend the panel so that a second window treatmentis suspended by a second support unit between the panel and theframed-in unit of the window opening. At least one of k-1 and k-2 can beset at a length so that at least one of the distal edges of the firstand second lateral sides of the panel do not make contact with thesecond window treatment. In some embodiments, k-1 can be equal to k-2.In some embodiments, any one securement can be at least one of formedonto the fabric, formed into the fabric, attached to the fabric, andattachable to the fabric. In some embodiments, any one securement can beat least one of an aperture and a strap.

While these potential advantages are made possible by technicalsolutions offered herein, they are not required to be achieved. Thepresently disclosed apparatus and method of use can be implemented toachieve technical advantages, whether or not these potential advantages,individually or in combination, are sought or achieved.

Further features, aspects, objects, advantages, and possibleapplications of the present invention will become apparent from a studyof the exemplary embodiments and examples described below, incombination with the Figures, and the appended claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The above and other objects, aspects, features, advantages and possibleapplications of the present invention will be more apparent from thefollowing more particular description thereof, presented in conjunctionwith the following Figures, in which:

FIG. 1 shows an exemplary embodiment of the inventive securement meanssecuring a panel of fabric to a support unit.

FIG. 2 shows a partial view of a top portion of the exemplary securementmeans of FIG. 1 with the panel removed from the support unit.

FIG. 3 shows a rear view of a panel having securement straps, which maybe used as the securement means.

FIG. 4 shows a rear view of a panel having securement apertures, whichmay be used as the securement means.

FIGS. 5A-5B show exploded views of a securement strap and a securementaperture.

FIG. 6 shows a partial view of a panel being suspended from a supportunit with a sheer suspended behind the panel.

FIG. 7 shows a partial view of a pleat that may be formed by theinventive securement means.

FIG. 8 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus withthe panel laid flat and with a plurality of straps as the securementmeans.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus withthe panel folded to form pleats and with a plurality of straps as thesecurement means.

FIG. 10 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus withthe panel depending from a support unit and with a plurality of strapsas the securement means.

FIG. 11 shows a rear view of an embodiment of the apparatus with thepanel laid flat and with a plurality of straps as the securement means.

FIG. 12 shows a front view of an embodiment of the apparatus with thepanel laid flat and with a plurality of straps as the securement means.

FIG. 13 shows a top and/or bottom view of an embodiment of the apparatuswith the panel laid flat and with a plurality of straps as thesecurement means.

FIG. 14 shows a top and/or bottom view of an embodiment of the apparatuswith the panel folded to form pleats and with a plurality of straps asthe securement means.

FIG. 15 shows a left and/or right side view of an embodiment of theapparatus with the panel laid flat and with a plurality of straps as thesecurement means.

FIG. 16 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus withthe panel laid flat and with a plurality of apertures as the securementmeans.

FIG. 17 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus withthe panel folded to form pleats and with a plurality of apertures as thesecurement means.

FIG. 18 shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the apparatus withthe panel depending from a support unit and with a plurality of sapertures as the securement means.

FIG. 19 shows a rear and/or front view of an embodiment of the apparatuswith the panel laid flat and with a plurality of apertures as thesecurement means.

FIG. 20 shows a top and/or bottom view of an embodiment of the apparatuswith the panel laid flat and with a plurality of apertures as thesecurement means.

FIG. 21 shows a top and/or bottom view of an embodiment of the apparatuswith the panel folded to form pleats and with a plurality of aperturesas the securement means.

FIG. 22 shows a left and/or right side view of an embodiment of theapparatus with the panel laid flat and with a plurality of apertures asthe securement means.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following description is of an embodiment presently contemplated forcarrying out the present invention. This description is not to be takenin a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of describingthe general principles and features of the present invention. The scopeof the present invention should be determined with reference to theclaims.

Referring to FIGS. 1-2, the apparatus 10 can include a securement means20 for a panel 11 of fabric so as to facilitate the panel 11 beingsuspended from a support unit 1. The support unit 1 can be an elongatedmember, a rod, a pole, a track, etc. that can be attached to a wall orother structure associated with a window, shower, walkway, doorway,opening, framed-in unit, etc. The support unit 1 can be straight,angled, curved, curvelinear, etc. The support unit 1 can have across-sectional shape that is cylindrical, oval, semi-circular, cubic,hexoginal, pyramidal, etc. The support unit 1 can be fixed in length oradjustable in length (e.g., the support unit 1 can comprise two rodshave a telescoping arrangement). The support unit 1 can further includea finial located at one of its distal ends. Any portion of the supportunit 1 and/or finial can include an embellishment or other ornamentaldesign. It is contemplated for the support unit 1 and the panel 11 offabric to be used as part of a window treatment, where the panel 11 maybe used as a curtain. However, the support unit 1 and the panel 11 offabric can be used as any other type of barrier, privacy component,decorating element, etc. for a framed-in unit having an opening. Thefabric may be cotton, satin, silk, plastic, acrylic, felt, wool, etc.The panel 11 can be a fabric having any density as measured by grams persquare meter (“GSM”).

The securement means 20 can be located on and/or in any portion of thepanel 11. In some embodiments, the securement means 20 may be located onand/or in a top 12 portion of the panel 11. For example, the panel 11can be square or rectangular, having a top 12, first and second lateralsides 13,14, and a bottom 15, where the securement means 20 is locatedon and/or in the top 12 of the panel 11. Further, the panel 11 caninclude a front face 16 (a face that faces away from the window) and arear face 17 (a face that faces towards the window), and the securementmeans 20 can be located on and/or in any one of the front face 16 andrear face 17.

Referring to FIG. 3, in some embodiments, the securement means 20 can bestructured to be attached (permanently or temporarily) onto the panel11. The attachment can be by stitching, hook-and-loop fastener,button-snap, etc. For example, the securement means 20 can be at leastone securement 22 that is a strap 22 a, each strap 22 a having a firstend and a second end (see FIG. 5). The strap 22 a can be attached to thepanel 11 at its first and second ends so that a portion of the strap 22a between the first and second ends (i.e., a middle portion 24 a) is notphysically attached to the panel 11. The strap first end can be thestrap top 23 a and the strap second end can be the strap bottom 23 a′.Alternatively, the strap first end can be the strap first lateral side25 a and the strap second end can be the strap second lateral side 25a′. The strap 22 a can be attached so that the middle portion 24 abuckles out and away from the panel 11 (e.g., so that the strap 22 a hassome play). Alternatively, the middle portion 24 a can exhibit no play,and thus abut against the panel 11.

It is contemplated for the strap 22 a to receive at least a portion ofthe support unit 1 to facilitate suspending the panel 11 therefrom (seeFIG. 1). It is further contemplated for the engagement of the securementmeans 20 with the support unit 1 to facilitate free slidable motion ofthe panel 11, or any portion thereof, about the support unit 1. This mayinclude motion about a longitudinal length 2 of the support unit 1. Forexample, the support unit 1 can be an elongated rod and the panel 11 canbe caused to depend from the rod by sliding the rod through at least onestrap 22 a. The panel 11 can then be manipulated by sliding any portionof the panel 11 in the longitudinal direction 2 of the support unit 1.In some embodiments, a portion of the panel 11 can be slid towardanother portion of the panel 11 to create a pleat 18 in the panel 11.

The strap 22 a can be a fabric that is the same as or different from thefabric of the panel 11. The strap 22 a can be made to be more rigid orless rigid that the rigidity of the panel 11. For example the strap 22 acan include reinforced stitching, a stiffener, and/or a gusset to causethe strap 22 a to be more rigid. The strap 22 a can include reinforcedstitching, a stiffener, and/or a gusset to cause the strap 22 a toexhibit a particular shape, or at least have a tendency to form aparticular shape.

In some embodiments, the securement means 20 can be at least one rigidelement (not shown) attached to the panel 11, where the attachment canbe achieved with any of the attachment techniques described above. Forexample, the securement means 20 can be a hook, a ring, a clamp, etc.

Referring to FIG. 4, alternatively, or in addition, the securement means20 can be structured to be formed into a portion of the panel 11. Forexample, the securement means 20 can be at least one aperture 22 b sizedto slidably receive at least a portion of the support unit 1. It iscontemplated for the aperture 22 b to receive at least a portion of thesupport unit 1 to facilitate suspending the panel 11 therefrom (see FIG.6). It is further contemplated for the engagement of the securementmeans 20 with the support unit 1 to facilitate free slidable motion ofthe panel 11, or any portion thereof, about the support unit 1. Forexample, the support unit 1 can be an elongated rod and the panel 11 canbe caused to depend from the rod by sliding the rod through an aperture22 b. The panel 11 can then be manipulated by sliding any portion of thepanel 11. This may include motion in the longitudinal direction 2 of thesupport unit 1. For example, a portion of the panel 11 can be slid toanother portion of the panel 11 to create a pleat 18 in the panel 11.

Any aperture 22 b can be circular, semi-circular, oval, hexoginal,square, triangular, etc. Any aperture 22 b can match a shape of thelongitudinal cross-sectional shape of the support unit 1 or bedissimilar in shape. Any aperture 22 b can include reinforced fabric,stitching, a stiffener, a gusset, and/or a grommet on and/or around anyportion of the aperture 22 b. This may be done to provide added supportand durability to each aperture 22 b. This may also be done to provide adesired coefficient of friction between the securement means 20 and thesupport unit 1 (e.g., a more non-slip engagement can be generated toresist slidable motion or a more slick engagement can be generated tofurther facilitate slidable motion). Any securement aperture 22 b caninclude a securement aperture top 23 b, securement aperture bottom 23b′, securement aperture first lateral end-point 25 b, securementaperture second lateral end-point 25 b′, and a securement aperturecenter 24 b (see FIG. 5).

In some embodiments, the securement means 20 can further include a clip,clamp, or other fastener (not shown) that is attachable (permanently ortemporarily) to the panel 11, the strap 22 a, and/or the aperture 22 b.The fastener may be specifically configured for engaging a particulartype of support unit 1. For example, the support unit 1 may include atrack with a channel, wherein the fastener may include a bracket with awheel that engages the channel.

In some embodiments, the securement means 20 can be an extension offabric (i.e., fabric-extension) attached (permanently or temporarily) toat or near an edge of the panel 11. The fabric-extension can be a stripof fabric that is the same as or different from the fabric of the panel11, where the fabric-extension is attached to (e.g., sewn, snapped,woven, attached by hook-and-loop fastener, etc.) to the panel 11. Thesecurement means 20 can be located on and/or in a portion of thefabric-extension.

Referring back to FIGS. 3-4, in at least one embodiment, the securementmeans 20 may include at least one securement 22 (e.g., any of the straps22 a, apertures 22 b, rigid element, clips, clamps, etc.) that is atleast one of formed onto, formed into, attached to, and attachable to aportion of the panel 11. The securement means 20 can be located at a top12 portion of the panel 11. Some embodiments can include a plurality ofsecurements 22. Each securement 22 of the securement means 20 can bepositioned along the top 12 portion so as to form an array ofsecurements 22. Any number of securements 22 can form a set ofsecurements 22, where the array of securements 22 can be defined by aspacing between the securements 22 of the set and a spacing between thesets of securements 22. For example, two securements 22 can form set-1,where the spacing between each securement 22 of set-1 may be d-1. Anadditional two securements 22 can form set-2, where the spacing betweeneach securement 22 of set-2 may be d-2. An additional two securements 22can form set-3, where the spacing between each securement 22 of set-3may be d-3. An additional two securements 22 can form set-i, where thespacing between each securement 22 of set-i may be d-i, and so on. Inaddition, the spacing(s) between the sets can be defined as j-1, j-2, .. . j-i. Any spacing between securements 22 within a set can be the sameas or different from a spacing between other securements 22 within thesame set. Any spacing between securements 22 within a set can be thesame as or different from a spacing between securements 22 within adifferent set. Any spacing between a set can be the same as or differentfrom a spacing between another set. As noted above, any set can includeany number of securements 22. For example, a set can include threesecurement 22, four securement 22, etc. Further, a number of securements22 within one set can be the same as or different from a number ofsecurements 22 of another set.

The panel 11 can include at least one lead-in securement 22′. Thelead-in securement 22′ can be a securement 22 that is most proximal to alateral side 13,14 of the panel 11. Thus, with a rectangular panel 11,for example, a securement means 20 may include a plurality ofsecurements 22 with a first lead-in securement 22′ at or near the firstlateral side 13 and a second lead-in securement 22′ at or near thesecond lateral side 14. There can be multiple arrays of securements 22to form the securement means 20, and thus there may be more than onelead-in securement 22′ for a given lateral side 13,14. Therefore, thefirst lateral side 13 may have at least one lead-in securement 22′ andthe second lateral side 14 may have at least one lead-in securement 22′.The spacing(s) between a distal edge 19 of the lateral side 13,14 and alead-in securement 22′ can be defined as k-i. This distance, k-i, mayalso be referred to as the “projection” of the panel.

The spacings (d-i's and j-i's) can be defined by a length betweencentral portions 24 a, 24 b of adjacent securements 22 or a lengthbetween lateral end-points 25 a, 25 b, 25 a′, 25 b′ of adjacentsecurements 22 (see FIGS. 5A-B). The spacings (k-i's) can be defined bya length between a central portion 24 a, 24 b of a lead-in securement22′ and the distal edge 19 the lateral side 13,14 most proximal to thelead-in securement 22′ or a length between a lateral end-point 25 a, 25b, 25 a′, 25 b′ of a lead-in securement 22′ and the distal edge 19 ofthe lateral side 13,14 most proximal to the lead-in securement 22′.

As will be explained, the spacings (d-i's, j-i's, k-i's) can facilitatesuspending the panel 11 from a support unit 1 in a stable and non-sloppymanner. Further, the spacings (d-i's, j-i's, k-i's) can allow the panel11 to depend from the support unit 1 to generate pleating 18 without thepleating 18 being uneven or disproportionate and/or without the pleating18 being easily disrupted or disordered. Further, the spacings (d-i's,j-i's, k-i's) can facilitate suspension of the panel 11 from the supportunit 1 so that manipulation of the panel 11 would not interfere with asheer positioned behind the panel 11.

In an exemplary embodiment, the panel 11 can be rectangular with a top12, a bottom 15, a first lateral side 13, and a second lateral side 14.The top 12 may have a length equal to a length of the bottom 15. Thefirst lateral side 13 may have a length equal to a length of the secondlateral side 14. The lengths of the first and second lateral sides 13,14can be greater than the lengths of the top 12 and bottom 15. Any of thetop 12, the lateral sides 13,14, and/or the bottom 15 may include a hem21. Any of the hems 21 can be a lockstitch hem. Any portion of the panel11 can include a stiffener (e.g., Pellon® stiffener). The panel 11 canfurther include a front face 16 and a rear face 17. The securement means20 may be located at or near the top 12, and may further be located atthe rear face 17.

The securement means 20 can include a plurality of sets of securements22, where each set may include at least two securements 22. Thesecurement means 22 can further be structured as a linear array ofsecurements 22 that run parallel with an edge of the top 12. Spacingsd-i can be the same between each securement 22 of a set. Spacings j-ican be the same between each set of securements 22. Each spacing d-i canbe less than each spacing j-i. The securement 22 set most proximal thefirst lateral side 13 may include two securements 22, and the securement22 of that set most proximal to the first lateral side 13 can be a firstlead-in securement 22′. The securement 22 set most proximal the secondlateral side 14 may include two securements 22, and the securement 22 ofthat set most proximal to the second lateral side 14 can be the secondlead-in securement 22′. The first and second lead-in securements 22′ canhave spacings k-i between the lead-in securement 22′ and the distal edge19 of the lateral side 13,14 most proximal to it. Each of spacings k-ifor the securement means 20 can be of the same length. Each of spacingsk-i for the securement means 20 may be less than any of the spacings d-iand j-i.

The spacings k-i can be minimal so that the projection (i.e., the fabricof the panel that exists between a lead-in securement 22′ and the distaledge of the lateral side 13,14 it is most proximal to) is minimized.(See FIG. 6). Such an arrangement can facilitate suspending the panel 11on a support unit 1, where the support unit 1 is mounted in front ofanother window treatment (e.g., a sheer) without the panel 11 makingcontact with the sheer. This can be achieved by minimizing the amount offabric that exists between each lead-in securement 22′ and the distaledge 19 of the lateral side 13,14 it is most proximal to, or minimizingthe k-i. In other words, this fabric portion of the panel 11 (or theprojection) does not make contact with the sheer. Further, the panel 11can be manipulated without interfering with the sheer suspended behindthe panel 11. Prior art systems may require an extension to the mountingbrackets of the support unit 1 to move a panel further away from a sheerso as to prevent such interference, but with the presently disclosedinvention such extension methods are obviated.

A securement means 20 with each spacing d-i being the same and with eachspacing j-i also being the same, where each spacing d-i is less than theeach of spacing j-i, can facilitate generation of a desired pleating 18that is stable and even across the panel 11. For example, after thepanel 11 is suspended from the support unit 1 and portions of the panel11 are moved towards each other to form pleats 18, each securement 22 ofthe at least two-securement set can generate a natural tendency toproduce a pleat 18 between the securements 22 of the set and a pleat 18between each set, s-i, of securements 22. The spacings (d-i and j-i) canfurther generate a tendency for the panel 11 to maintain this pleatedarrangement, even when the panel 11 is further manipulated.

Referring to FIG. 7, because the spacings d-i are equal to each otherand the spacing j-i are equal to each other, each pleat 18 can have awidth 18 a that is even and consistent through the panel 11. Inaddition, the spacings d-i and j-i can be set to further facilitatenon-interference with any window treatment suspended behind the panel11. For example, the spacings d-i and j-i can be set so as to generatepleats 18 with delimited widths 18 a and depths 18 b. A width 18 a of apleat can be a length measured from trough to trough of the pleat 18. Adepth 18 b of a pleat 18 can be a length measured from a trough to apeak of a pleat 18. Thus, by setting the spacings d-i and j-i, thewidths 18 a and/or depths 18 b of each pleat 18 can be delimited.Delimiting the depth 18 b can prevent the panel 11, at the pleat peak 18c, from making contact with the sheer suspended behind the panel 11.

In some embodiments, spacings d-i may not be equal to each other,spacings j-i may not be equal to each other, and/or spacing k-i may notbe equal to each other. Having any of the spacings (d-i, j-i, k-i) beunequal may be done to generate a pleating 18 that is disproportionateacross the panel 11. Yet, the pleating 18 can still be stable. Forexample, one may want to generate pleating 18 that has wider pleats 18and/or deeper pleats 18 at or near the lateral sides 13,14, and narrowerpleats 18 and/or shallower pleats 18 at or near a center of the panel11. This would generate a pleating that is uneven or disproportionateacross the panel 11, but due to the tendency to maintain the pleating,the pleats 18 can maintain such an arrangement. Further, one of thek-i's can be greater than another k-i to generate a particular aestheticeffect or to allow for the panel 11 to make contact with the sheer atone side but prevent such contact at another side. Further, the spacings(d-i, j-i, k-i) can be set to generate a desired number of pleats 18and/or pleats 18 at desired positions on the panel 11, as each set, s-i,of securements 22 can be used to determine the number of pleats 18and/or determine positions on the panel 11 where the pleats 18 can havea tendency to form. Thus, the ability to generate the number of pleats18, generate pleatings 18 at certain locations on the panel 11,delimited widths 18 a and/or depths 18 b of the pleats 18, and/or thetendency to maintain the pleating 18 at those widths 18 a and/or depths18 b can further facilitate generating a pleating 18 with desiredutilitarian or aesthetic effects. For example, a panel 11 with morepleatings 18 formed across the panel 11 or pleatings 18 that are morenarrow in width 18 a and greater in depth 18 b may block more light asopposed to a panel 11 with less pleatings 18 across the panel 11 orpleatings 18 that are more broad in width 18 a and more shallow in depth18 b.

FIG. 3 shows a non-limiting example of the apparatus 10. The panel 11that can be rectangular with a top 12 having a length of 54 inches, abottom 15 with a length of 54 inches, a first lateral side 13 with alength of 84 inches, and a second lateral side 14 with a length of 84inches. The panel 11 can be a fabric with 65 GSM. The bottom 15 caninclude a 3-inch hem 21. The first and second lateral sides 13,14 caneach include a 1-inch hem 21. The top 12 can include a 3.5-inch hem 21.The securement means 20 can be located at the rear face 11 b and withinthe 3.5-inch hem 21 of the top 12. The securement means 20 may includefive securement sets, s-i, with two securements 22,22′ in each set. Thesecurement means 20 can structured as a linear array of securements22,22′ that run parallel with an edge of the top 12. The securements22,22′ can be straps 22 a attached to the rear face 17 of the panel 11,where each strap 22 a can be rectangular in shape. Each strap 22 a caninclude a strap top 23 a having a length of 1 inch, a strap bottom 23 a′having a length of 1 inch, and strap sides 25 a, 25 a′ each having alength of 3.5 inches. The straps 22 a can be arranged so that the strapsides 25 a, 25 a′ are parallel with the panel lateral sides 13,14. Thestraps 22 a can be attached to the panel 11 at the strap top 23 a andthe strap bottom 23 a′ so as to have an open middle portion 24 a (e.g.,a middle portion 24 a that is not physically attached to the panel 11).Each strap 22 a can be within an area defined by the 3.5-inch hem 21 soas to form a 3.5-inch support unit pocket. In other words, the supportunit 1 can be slidably received within the securement means 20 of the3.5-inch support unit pocket by sliding the support unit 1 within eachmiddle portion 24 a of each strap 22 a. Spacings d-i can be 3 inchesbetween each securement strap 22 a of a set, s-i. Spacings j-i can be6.75 inches between each set, s-i, of securement straps 22 a. Thesecurement strap set, s-i, most proximal to the first lateral side 13can include two securement straps 22 a, and the securement strap 22 a ofthat set, s-i, most proximal to the first lateral side 13 can be thefirst lead-in securement strap 22′. The securement strap set, s-i, mostproximal the second lateral side 14 can include two securement straps 22a, and the securement strap 22 a of that set, s-i, most proximal to thesecond lateral side 14 can be the second lead-in securement strap 22′.The first and second lead-in securement straps 22′ can each havespacings k-i that are 1 inch between the lead-in securement strap 22′and the distal edge 19 of the lateral side 13,14 most proximal to thelead-in securement strap 22′. The spacings (d-i's and j-i's) can bedefined by a length between lateral end-points 25 a, 25 a′ of eachsecurement strap 22 a of adjacent securements strap 22 a. The spacings(k-i's) can be defined by a length between a lateral end-point 25 a, 25a′ of a lead-in securement strap 22′ and the distal edge 19 of thelateral side 13,14 most proximal to the lead-in securement strap 22′.

FIG. 4 shows a non-limiting example of the apparatus 10. The panel 11can be rectangular with a top 12 having a length of 54.25 inches, abottom 15 with a length of 54.25 inches, a first lateral side 13 with alength of 84.75 inches, and a second lateral side 14 with a length of84.75 inches. The panel 11 can be a fabric with 65 GSM. The bottom 15can include a 3-inch hem 21. The first and second lateral sides 13,14can include a 1-inch hem 21. The top 12 can include a 4-inch hem 21. Thehemmed portion of the top 12 can further include a stiffener. Thesecurement means 20 can be located at the rear face 17 and within the4-inch hem 21 of the top 12. The securement means 20 may include threesecurement 22 sets, s-i, and two lead-in securements 22′. Thesecurements 22,22′ can be apertures 22 b formed into the panel 11, whereeach aperture 22 b may be circular shape. Any aperture 22 b can furtherinclude a grommet. Each aperture 22 b can be positioned within the4-inch hem 21 so that a central portion 24 b of each aperture 22 b is ata mid-point between a top edge of the panel 11 and the hem 21 of the top11. Each aperture 22 b, and grommet if one is used, can be structured toslidably receive the support unit 1. The securement means 20 can bestructured as a linear array of securements 22,22′ that run parallelwith an edge of the top 12, where the linear array may include a singlelead-in securement aperture 22′ adjacent the first lateral side 13,three two-securement aperture 22 b sets, and a single lead-in securement22′ adjacent the second lateral side 14. Each aperture 22 b can includelateral end-points 25 b, 25 b′ on each side of the aperture 22 b.Spacings d-i can be 2.5 inches between each securement aperture 22 b ofa set, s-i. Spacings j-i can be 6.5 inches between each set, s-i, ofsecurements apertures 22 b. The lead-in securement apertures 22′ caneach have a spacing k-i that ranges between 1 inch to 1.5 inches, asmeasured between the lead-in securement aperture 22′ and the distal edge19 of the most proximal lateral side 13,14. The spacings (d-i's andj-i's) can be defined by a length between lateral end-points 25 b, 25 b′of each aperture 22 b of adjacent securements 22 b. The spacings (k-i's)can be defined by a length between a lateral end-point 25 b, 25 b′ of alead-in securement aperture 22′ and the distal edge 19 of the lateralside 13,14 most proximal to the lead-in securement strap 22′.

FIGS. 8-22 show various views of various embodiments of the apparatus10.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that numerousmodifications and variations of the described examples and embodimentsare possible in light of the above teachings of the disclosure. Thedisclosed examples and embodiments are presented for purposes ofillustration only. Other alternate embodiments may include some or allof the features disclosed herein. Therefore, it is the intent to coverall such modifications and alternate embodiments as may come within thetrue scope of this invention, which is to be given the full breadththereof. Additionally, the disclosure of a range of values is adisclosure of every numerical value within that range, including the endpoints.

What is claimed is:
 1. A securement means, comprising a plurality ofsets of securements, each set of securements located on and/or into aportion of a fabric to form a linear array of securements across theportion of the fabric; and, wherein each set of securements comprises atleast two securements having a spacing d-i between each securementwithin the set of securements; wherein each set of securements has aspacing j-i between each set of securements; and, wherein each d-i isless than each j-i.
 2. The securement means recited in claim 1, whereinthe fabric is a panel configured to be suspended from a support unit viathe securement means.
 3. The securement means recited in claim 1,wherein the fabric is a fabric-extension attached to a panel, the panelconfigured to be suspended from a support unit via the securement means.4. The securement means recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality ofsecurements is located at or near a top portion of the fabric.
 5. Thesecurement means recited in claim 1, wherein the plurality ofsecurements forms a plurality of linear arrays of securements.
 6. Thesecurement means recited in claim 1, wherein any one securement is atleast one of formed onto the fabric, formed into the fabric, attached tothe fabric, and attachable to the fabric.
 7. The securement meansrecited in claim 1, wherein any one securement is at least one of anaperture and a strap.
 8. The securement means recited in claim 1,wherein: the fabric is a first fabric and is configured to be suspendedfrom a first support unit via the securement means, the first supportunit extending from a framed-in unit having an opening, the firstsupport unit configured to suspend the first fabric so that a secondfabric is suspended by a second support unit between the first fabricand the framed-in unit; the first fabric further comprises a firstlateral side and a second lateral side; the securement most proximal tothe first lateral side is a first lead-in securement and a spacingbetween the first lead-in securement and a distal edge of the firstlateral side is k-i; the securement most proximal to the second lateralside is a second lead-in securement and a spacing between the secondlead-in securement and a distal edge of the second lateral side is k-i;and, each k-i is set at a length so that the distal edges of the firstand second lateral sides of the first fabric do not make contact withthe second fabric.
 9. A securement means, comprising a plurality of setsof securements, each set of securements located on and/or into a portionof a first fabric to form a linear array of securements across theportion of the first fabric, the first fabric comprising a first lateralside and a second lateral side; a first lead-in securement located at ornear the first lateral side; and, a second lead-in securement located ator near the second lateral side; wherein each set of securementscomprises at least two securements having a spacing d-i between eachsecurement within the set of securements; wherein each set ofsecurements has a spacing j-i between each set of securements; whereineach d-i is less than each j-i; wherein a spacing between the firstlead-in securement and a distal edge of the first lateral side is k-i,and a spacing between the second lead-in securement and a distal edge ofthe second lateral side is k-i; wherein the first fabric and isconfigured to be suspended from a first support unit via the securementmeans, the first support unit extending from a framed-in unit having anopening, the first support unit configured to suspend the first fabricso that a second fabric is suspended by a second support unit betweenthe first fabric and the framed-in unit; and, wherein each k-i is set ata length so that the distal edges of the first and second lateral sidesof the first fabric do not make contact with the second fabric.
 10. Thesecurement means recited in claim 9, wherein the first fabric is a panelconfigured to be suspended from the first support unit via thesecurement means.
 11. The securement means recited in claim 9, whereinthe first fabric is a fabric-extension attached to a panel, the panelconfigured to be suspended from the first support unit via thesecurement means.
 12. The securement means recited in claim 9, whereinthe plurality of securements is located at or near a top portion of thefabric.
 13. The securement means recited in claim 9, wherein theplurality of securements forms a plurality of linear arrays ofsecurements.
 14. The securement means recited in claim 9, wherein anyone securement is at least one of formed onto the fabric, formed intothe fabric, attached to the fabric, and attachable to the fabric. 15.The securement means recited in claim 9, wherein any one securement isat least one of an aperture and a strap.
 16. A panel configured for useas a window treatment, comprising a fabric comprising a top, a firstlateral side, a second lateral side, and a bottom; a plurality ofsecurements, each securement located on and/or into a portion of thepanel to form a linear array of securements across the portion of thepanel; and, at least one set of securements formed within the lineararray of securements, each set of securements comprising at least twosecurements having a spacing d-i between each securement within the setof securements; a first lead-in securement located at or near the firstlateral side; a second lead-in securement located at or near the secondlateral side; and, wherein each set of securements has a spacing j-ibetween each set of securements; wherein each d-i is less than each j-i;and, wherein a spacing between the first lead-in securement and a distaledge of the first lateral side is k-1, and a spacing between the secondlead-in securement and a distal edge of the second lateral side is k-2.17. The panel recited in claim 16, wherein: the panel is configured tobe suspended from a first support unit via the securement means, thefirst support unit extending from a framed-in unit of a window opening,the first support unit configured to suspend the panel so that a secondwindow treatment is suspended by a second support unit between the paneland the framed-in unit of the window opening; wherein at least one ofk-1 and k-2 is set at a length so that at least one of the distal edgesof the first and second lateral sides of the panel do not make contactwith the second window treatment.
 18. The panel recited in claim 17,wherein the k-1 is equal to k-2.
 19. The panel recited in claim 16,wherein any one securement is at least one of formed onto the fabric,formed into the fabric, attached to the fabric, and attachable to thefabric.
 20. The panel recited in claim 16, wherein any one securement isat least one of an aperture and a strap.